Stories of sacrifice

Everyday in Iraq our military troops become involved with events that change the lives of someone or a family. Yet, stories of this nature are never found within the media outlets available to the public, i.e. newspapers, television, radio or magazine articles and we must question why. One life changed, saved or someone becoming involved to make a difference in it is one life that will go on.

Instead of me sitting here ranting and raving about it, allow me to provide you with one example, an event taken from The United States Central Command, CENTCOM web site.

Coalition Forces Save Abandoned Boy (Click on the link for the full story)

This article explains an incident that occurred during an on-going hour-long firefight that resulted in the deaths of over 25 terrorists in Baghdad, Iraq May 14 in Yusifiyah. It truly demonstrates the care for others and deep concerns for the safety of children within our troops and clearly shows their will to sacrifice and protect the young and innocent caught up in dangerous situations.

During the battle, in an attempt to save only their cowardly lives, terrorists actually threw a two-year-old toddler inside a vehicle that was near a burning van where weapons, rockets and ammunition were stored. Our troops saved the life of the little one just before the rockets exploded into a ball of fire. They not only willingly placed their own lives in danger, but for the life of another, truly a noble, unselfish act of heroism and one you will not find in the newspaper or television.

The media’s only concern is to print stories that will mold people into their way of thinking, especially with politicians not in their favor or the war on terrorism. Stories emanating from Iraq or Afghanistan of heroic acts by our troops or their willingness to sacrifice for the life of another do not fit their agenda; therefore, they cannot be published or discussed.

We need to see more stories as this one and other of that nature so that we may better understand the situation unfolding and make informed decisions that do not involve the Medias way of thinking.